EP3190212A1 - Apparatus for the surface treatment of a continuous material and its use - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for surface treatment of a continuous material and the use of this device for the selective electrodeposition of a metal layer on the surface of a metallic continuous material or the production of high-purity surfaces of a metallic continuous material. According to a further aspect, the invention relates to the use of a device according to the invention in the manufacture of a welding wire.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for surface treatment of a continuous material and the use of this device for the selective electrodeposition of a metal layer on the surface of a metallic continuous material or the production of high-purity surfaces of a metallic continuous material. According to a further aspect, the invention relates to the use of a device according to the invention in the manufacture of a welding wire.

Surface treatment in the sense of the invention is to be understood as the electrolytic cleaning of surfaces, the pickling of the surface, or else the electrolytic or galvanic deposition of metal layers or phosphorus-containing layers on the surface. Such a surface treatment of metallic continuous materials, such as wires or tapes has been known for a long time and we used in many ways. The objective of such treatments may be cleaning the surface in advance of downstream treatment steps or improving corrosion resistance. Furthermore, it is also known to apply a zinc phosphate and / or zinc-calcium phosphate layer to reduce the coefficient of friction on the metal surface in advance of a cold forming of a metal, such as before cold rolling or wire drawing.

In the production of welding wires, it is known to galvanically clean them after the train, so the cold forming to the desired cross-sectional dimension to obtain high purity surface, or the surfaces - depending on the intended SD 43671 / UAM

Purpose of the welding wire - to be provided with a galvanically deposited metal layer, such as a copper or copper alloy layer.

Devices for the production of surface treatment of continuous materials are known from the prior art. EP 26734 A1 discloses a device for electrodepositing a metal onto a substrate, comprising one or more electrolysis cells, means for introducing the substrates to be coated into the electrolytic cell with almost complete exclusion of oxygen and water, means for removing coated substrates from the electrolytic cell with almost complete exclusion of Oxygen and water and means for transporting substrates in the apparatus characterized in that the apparatus comprises means for pretreating substrates by bombardment with inert gas particles under reduced pressure.

EP0093978 A1 discloses a device having a provided with a groove for the metal wire, made of insulating wheel, which is provided at the desired distance from each other with radially extending recesses and end pieces in the recesses opening electrolyte supply lines, wherein in the end pieces mouth-side connected as an anode grid are inserted.

DE 102 12 436 A1 discloses a device for the treatment of stranded metallic material, in particular ribbon or wire, which is continuously performed by a treatment chamber of the device in the vertical direction. To make the device suitable for various treatments, it is envisaged that a selection of the treatments electrolytic coating, electrolytic cleaning or chemical pickling takes place in the metallic material when passing through the treatment chamber, in which the working chamber is at least partially filled with a fluid, and that Device has quick-change connections for modular treatment elements, which are suitable for carrying out the selected treatment.

WO 2007/118875 A discloses a device for electroplating at least one electrically conductive substrate or an electrically conductive structure on a non-conductive substrate comprising at least a bath, an anode and a cathode, wherein the bath contains an electrolyte solution containing at least one metal salt, from which metal ions to electrically conductive surfaces of the substrate are deposited while the cathode is brought into contact with the surface to be coated of the substrate and the substrate is conveyed through the bath. The cathode comprises at least one band with at least one electrically conductive section which is guided around at least two rotatable shafts.

A disadvantage of the known from the prior art devices is that they are set up only for a certain treatment of the surface and a change in the treatment of the surface associated with a large conversion effort.

In the course of modern production techniques, it is desirable that a treatment of the surface of the continuous material as possible in direct connection to a cold forming, such as wire drawing or cold rolling occurs. For this purpose, in-line systems are necessary, in which a corresponding device for surface treatment connects spatially as directly as possible to the forming process.

However, this in turn means that in the case of a change in the type of treatment of the surface for the time of conversion, a complete shutdown must also be carried out cold forming. Therefore, it is desirable to minimize the changeover time and the associated dead time.

Against this background, it is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a device which is known from those known from the prior art Devices has a reduced changeover time when changing the treatment process of the surface.

We solve this problem by a device according to claim 1. Embodiments of the device according to the invention can be found in the dependent claims and the following description.

Thus, an apparatus for the surface treatment of a continuous material is disclosed, comprising a first treatment trough for receiving a first treatment liquid and a second trough divided into at least two hydraulically separable partial regions, wherein the partial regions are adapted to receive treatment liquids, the device having a material guide is set up such that the endless material is successively horizontally in the first treatment tub and the second treatment tub inserted with the proviso that it contacts the treatment liquids at desired level of the treatment liquids within the treatment tubs in pulling the continuous material in a conveying direction and not fall below the desired level, the treatment liquids contacted, wherein the second treatment trough for each of the sub-areas a hydraulic conveyor to promote the treatment liquids, wherein the conveyors are hydraulically separately connected to a respective tank, wherein the conveying means are arranged such that the level of the treatment liquids in the sub-areas can be lowered independently of the desired level by transferring the treatment liquids in the respective tank, and by transfer the treatment liquids from the respective tank can be raised to the desired level.

With the device according to the invention, it is possible in an advantageous manner by lowering or raising the liquid level of a treatment liquid in the second treatment trough, that treatment process in an in-line system without major interruption or changeover. For example, if the first portion filled with an electrolyte for electrodeposition of a metal layer, such as a Kupferabscheideelektrolyten, and the second portion of the second treatment tub with a sulfuric acid solution, it is advantageously possible between a copper plating process and a galvanic cleaning process in the production of eg to change welding wires. This makes it possible to change from a copper-plated product to a product with a high-purity surface without mechanical conversion of the system. Ultimately, this is even possible without interruption of the train.

The first treatment tank in the device proposed according to the invention can serve as an activation stage in a subsequent coating process, for which purpose the treatment tank is then treated, for example, with an acidic solution, e.g. a sulfuric, hydrochloric or phosphoric acid solution may be filled. It may be provided in one embodiment of the invention that the first treatment trough a hydraulic conveyor, such as a pump, for conveying the treatment liquids, wherein the conveyor is connected to a tank and is arranged such that the level of the treatment liquids in the first treatment tank can be lowered independently of the fill levels in the subregions of the second treatment trough below the desired fill level by transferring the treatment liquid into the tank. As a result, the flexibility of the overall device is further increased.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that a sink is arranged at least between the first treatment tub and the second treatment tub, by means of which any residues of the first treatment liquid adhering to the endless material after leaving the treatment tub in the conveying direction are removable and / or neutralizable.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the second treatment trough has a device for producing a hydraulic connection between the first and the second partial region. This makes it possible to produce a hydraulic communication between the two sections. This allows, in the case where the same treatment liquids are contained in both partial areas of the second treatment tank, to ensure an exchange of the treatment liquids between the two partial areas. It can be provided that the device for producing a hydraulic connection is formed by a provided with a check valve pipe, a pump system or a combination of both devices.

In addition, the treatment tubs can each have electrodes that are set up in such a way that an electrical voltage can be applied between the electrodes and the endless material. In this case, the second treatment trough preferably has in each case at least one electrode in its partial regions, these electrodes being arranged such that the treatment liquids do not contact the electrodes when the desired filling level is not reached. In this way, advantageously any decomposition of the treatment liquid by foreign or leakage currents, which could flow through the electrodes even if the continuous material does not contact the treatment solution, be avoided or at least reduced.

At least the electrode in the first subregion of the second treatment trough can be designed as a basket electrode according to an embodiment of the invention. Such a basket electrode is advantageously suitable to receive soluble anode material, such as copper balls or rods, which can be supplemented in consumption in a simple manner by refueling in the basket.

Preferably, at least the electrode in the first portion of the second Treatment tray designed as a mixed oxide coated titanium electrode. The configuration of the electrode in the second subregion of the second treatment trough preferably corresponds to the configuration of the electrode in the first subregion of the second treatment trough.

According to a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, the first treatment trough has at least two electrodes, wherein at least one electrode is electrically connected to the electrode of the first portion of the second treatment trough. It has been found that such an interconnection of the electrodes leads to an improved deposition result, in particular in the case of copper plating of surfaces of continuous material in a through-draw coating process.

According to a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention can have at least two voltage sources which can be controlled separately from one another. In this case, provision can be made for a first voltage source to contact the endless material and the electrode in the first treatment trough and optionally the electrode in the first partial area of the second treatment trough and a second voltage source to contact the endless material and the electrode in the second partial area of the second coating trough.

As a voltage source according to the invention, for example, a frequency converter and / or a rectifier can be used.

To provide a corresponding contacting of the endless material, provision may be made for the first coating trough to be subdivided into at least two partial regions which are hydraulically separated from one another. At least one of these subregions receives a counter electrode to the electrodes in the subregions of the second coating trough. A contacting of the endless material is then about a suitable electrolyte, in which on the one hand dips the counter electrode and which contacts the endless material to the other.

Alternatively and / or additionally, the device for contacting the endless material can have one or more contact rollers, via which the endless material can be guided and which are electrically connected to the voltage source (s). Alternatively it can be provided that the device for electrical contacting of the endless material has sliding contacts over which the endless material can be guided.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that the first treatment trough is divided into at least three subregions and which are hydraulically separated from each other. In this case, one partial area receives a counter-electrode to the electrode or electrodes provided in the second treatment trough. A second subregion accommodates a further electrode and the remaining subregion accommodates a counter electrode to the electrode arranged in the second subregion. In this case, it is preferable for the electrode arranged in the second subregion and its counterelectrode to be electrically connected to a first voltage source, whereas the electrodes arranged in the second treatment trough and their counterelectrodes arranged in a subregion of the first treatment trough are connected to a second voltage source. It is preferred that the two voltage sources are independently controllable.

The material guide can be formed according to the invention of guide rollers and / or guide rails. Preferably, the material guide is made of an electrically non-conductive material or - in the case of electrically conductive materials - mounted electrically isolated.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the device has one or more filter devices which is hydraulically connected to at least one treatment trough and / or a partial region. The system preferably has a band filter as filter device.

Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the device according to the invention can have one or more tempering devices with the aid of which the treatment liquids can be tempered. It can preferably be provided that the tempering devices are hydraulically connected to the first treatment trough and the second treatment trough or the partial regions of the second treatment trough such that the treatment liquids can be tempered independently of one another.

According to a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, it may be provided that it identifies blast dryers in the regions in which the endless material leaves the respective treatment trough or the partial region. These blast dryers are designed to blow off any residues of the treatment liquid present in the respective treatment tub or the partial area adhering to the endless material by means of an air or gas stream. In this case, the blast dryers are preferably set up in such a way that the treatment liquids are blown off in the direction of the treatment trough or the partial area corresponding to the treatment liquid, in order to avoid carrying over or transferring the respective treatment liquid into another trough or partial area.

According to a preferred embodiment of the device, the treatment tubs consist of a corrosion-resistant plastic material, preferably on polypropylene and / or polyethylene and / or an ABS plastic.

In addition, the invention relates to the use of a device according to the invention for the selective electrodeposition of a metal layer on the surface of a metallic continuous material or production of high-purity surfaces of a metallic continuous material, in particular for producing a welding wire.

• Fig. 1 zeigt eine Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;
• Fig. 2 zeigt eine Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung bei der das Niveau der Behandlungsflüssigkeit in dem zweiten Teilbereich der zweiten Behandlungswanne unterhalb des Sollfüllstandes liegt;
• Fig. 3 zeigt eine Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung bei das Niveau der Behandlungsflüssigkeit in dem ersten Teilbereich der zweiten Behandlungswanne unterhalb des Sollfüllstandes liegt; und
• Fig. 4 zeigt einen Querschnitt des ersten Teilbereiches der zweiten Behandlungswanne.

The invention will be explained below with reference to figures.

• Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the device according to the invention;
• Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the device according to the invention in which the level of the treatment liquid in the second portion of the second treatment trough is below the desired level;
• Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the device according to the invention in the level of the treatment liquid in the first portion of the second treatment trough is below the desired level; and
• Fig. 4 shows a cross section of the first portion of the second treatment trough.

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the device 100 according to the invention for the surface treatment of a continuous material 900. The device has a first treatment trough 200 for receiving a first treatment liquid 241 and a second in at least two mutually hydraulically separable portions 340,350 divided treatment trough 300. Subregions 340, 350 are configured to receive treatment fluids 341, 351. Furthermore, the device 100 has a material guide 400, which is set up such that the endless material 900 can be inserted successively horizontally into the first treatment trough 200 and the second treatment trough 300. This is done with the proviso that the endless material 900 at nominal filling level 700 of the treatment liquids 241,341,351 within the treatment tubs 200,300 when pulling the endless material 900 in the conveying direction 910 contacted the treatment liquids 241,341,351 and falls below the Sollfüllstandes 700 the treatment liquids 341,351 not contacted. The second treatment trough 300 has, for each of the subregions 340, 350, a hydraulic delivery device 345, 355, for example a pump for conveying the treatment fluids 341, 351, wherein the delivery devices 345, 355 are hydraulically connected separately to a respective tank 346, 356. The conveying devices 345, 355 are set up such that the filling level of the treatment liquids 341, 351 in the subregions 340, 350 can be lowered independently of the desired filling level 700 by transferring the treatment liquids 341, 351 into the respective tanks 346, 365 and by transferring the treatment liquids 341, 351 from the respective tank 346, 365 to the desired filling level 700 is liftable. Between the first treatment tub 200 and the second treatment tub 300, a sink 500 is arranged, by means of which any residues of the first treatment liquid 241 adhering to the endless material 900 after leaving the treatment tub 200 in the conveying direction 910 can be removed and / or neutralized. In addition, in the embodiment shown in the conveying direction 910 after the second treatment trough, a further sink 500 is provided with which any adhering residues of the treatment liquids 341, 351 are removable and / or neutralizable. The second treatment trough 300 furthermore has a device 360 for establishing a hydraulic connection between the first and the second partial region 340, 350. For electrical contacting, the treatment tanks 200, 300 each have electrodes 220, 320 which are set up in such a way that an electrical voltage can be applied between the electrodes 220, 320 and the endless material 900. The illustrated embodiment of the invention provides as an opposite electrode for contacting an electrode 222 disposed in the first treatment tank 200. For this purpose, the treatment trough 200 is likewise subdivided into at least two partial regions, a partial region serving for contacting the continuous material 900 via the electrode 222. The corresponding subregion can accommodate a suitable electrolyte. Alternatively or additionally, a corresponding contact device 600 may be provided. This can, for example, as Roller contact or sliding contact be executed. The second treatment trough 300 has at least one electrode 349, 359 in its partial regions 340, 350, these electrodes 349, 359 being arranged in such a way that the treatment liquids 341, 351 do not contact the electrodes 349, 359 when the nominal filling level 700 is undershot. In the embodiment of the device according to the invention shown, the first treatment trough 200 moreover comprises two further partial regions, one of which has one electrode 221 and the other one has an electrode 223 connected as counterelectrode to the electrode 221. For voltage application, the device in the embodiment shown at least two separately controllable voltage sources 280,380. In this case, it is provided in the embodiment shown that the electrode 222, 349, 359 are electrically connected to the voltage source 380 and the electrodes 221, 233 are electrically connected to the voltage source 280.

Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the device according to the invention, in which the level of the treatment liquid 351 in the second portion 350 of the second treatment trough 300 by transferring at least a partial amount in the tank 356 below the desired level 700 is located. In this case, neither the endless material 900 nor the electrode 359 are contacted by the treatment liquid 351. The second portion 350 of the second treatment trough 300 is thus inactive with respect to the surface treatment of the endless material 900.

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the device according to the invention, in which the level of the treatment liquid 341 in the first portion 340 of the second treatment trough 300 by transferring at least a subset in the tank 346 below the desired level 700 is located. In this case, neither the endless material 900 nor the electrode 349 are contacted by the treatment liquid 351. The first portion 340 of the second treatment trough 300 is thus inactive with respect to the surface treatment of the endless material 900.

Fig. 4 shows a cross section of the first portion 340 of the second treatment trough 300. The material guide is preferably arranged so that the endless material 900 orthogonal to the pulling direction is guided substantially centrally between the electrodes 349. As a result, the most uniform possible current distribution of the applied voltage is achieved. The electrodes 349 are preferably designed as basket electrodes which receive a soluble anode material 800. The basket electrodes are preferably made of a titanium plug metal, which is coated with a mixed oxide. If the treatment liquid 341 is filled to the desired level in the subregion 340, the electrodes 349 submerge in the treatment liquid. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 100 contraption 351 treatment liquid 200 first treatment tray 355 Conveyor 220 electrodes 356 tank 221 electrode 359 electrode 222 Electrode (counter electrode) 360 adjustable hydraulic connection 223 Electrode (counter electrode) 380 voltage source 241 treatment liquid 400 Media guide 280 voltage source 500 kitchen sink 300 two treatment tray 600 contact 320 electrodes 700 desired level 340 first subarea 800 anode material 341 treatment liquid 900 endless material 345 Conveyor 910 conveying direction 346 tank 349 electrode 350 second subarea

Claims (14)

Apparatus (100) for the surface treatment of a continuous material (900), comprising a first treatment trough (200) for receiving a first treatment liquid (241) and a second treatment trough (300) divided into at least two mutually hydraulically separable partial regions (340, 350); Subregions (340, 350) are arranged to receive treatment liquids (341, 351), wherein the device (100) has a material guide (400) which is set up such that the endless material (900) successively horizontally into the first treatment trough (200) and the second treatment trough (300) can be inserted with the proviso that, at the desired filling level (700), the treatment liquids (241, 341, 351) within the treatment troughs (200, 300) pass through the endless material (900) in a conveying direction (910). the treatment liquids (241, 341, 351) contacted and falls below the desired level (700) the treatment liquids ( 341, 351), wherein the second treatment trough (300) has, for each of the partial regions (340, 350), a hydraulic delivery device (345, 355) for conveying the treatment liquids (341, 351), the delivery devices (345, 355) hydraulically separately connected to a respective tank (346, 356), wherein the conveying devices (345, 355) are set up in such a way that the filling level of the treatment liquids (341, 351) in the subregions (340, 350) are independently below the desired level ( 700) by transferring the treatment liquids (341, 351) into the respective tank (346, 356) can be lowered, and by transferring the treatment liquids (341, 351) from the respective tank (346, 356) to the desired level (700) can be raised , Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least between the first treatment tank (200) and the second treatment tank (300) a sink (500) is arranged, by means of which any of the endless material (900) after leaving the Treatment tank (200) in the conveying direction (910) adhering residues of the first treatment liquid (241) are removable and / or neutralizable. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second treatment trough (300) comprises means (360) for establishing a hydraulic connection between the first and the second portion (340, 350). Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the treatment troughs (200, 300) each having electrodes (220, 320) which are arranged such that an electrical voltage between the electrodes (220, 320) and the endless material (900) can be applied. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second treatment trough (300) has at least one electrode (349, 359) in its partial regions (340, 350), these electrodes (349, 359) being arranged such that the treatment liquids (341, 351 ) when falling below the nominal level (700), the electrodes (349, 359) do not contact. Device according to claim 5, wherein at least the electrode (349) in the first subregion (340) is designed as a basket electrode. Device according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the treatment trough (200) at least two electrodes (221, 222), wherein at least one electrode (222) is electrically connected to a voltage source (380) of the second treatment trough (300) and as a counter electrode for contacting the endless material (900) is used. Device according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein it comprises at least two separately controllable voltage sources (280, 380). Device according to one of claims 5 to 8, wherein at least the electrode (349) in the first portion (340) of the second treatment trough (300) is a mixed oxide coated titanium electrode. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first treatment trough is subdivided into at least two partial regions, wherein a partial region accommodates the electrode (222) serving as counter electrode to the electrode (320). Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first treatment trough is divided into at least three partial areas, wherein a partial area receives the electrode (222) serving as a counter electrode to the electrode (320), a further partial area receives the electrode (221) and a third partial area an electrode (223) receives, wherein the electrode (223) serves as a counter electrode to the electrode (221). The device of claim 11, wherein the electrode (221, 233) is connected to a first voltage source (280) and the electrode (222, 349, 359) is connected to a second voltage source (380). Use of a device according to one of the preceding claims for the selective electrodeposition of a metal layer on the surface of a metallic continuous material or production of high-purity surfaces of a metallic endless material. Use according to claim 13 for the production of a welding wire.

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